Lenten campaign 2026
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The Catholic Bishops of Cuba issued a grave message to “all Cubans of good will” on January 31, 2026, expressing deep concern over the island’s worsening economic and social situation. In a communiqué, the bishops stressed that recent developments affecting the country’s energy supply — particularly cuts in fuel imports — have pushed ordinary people closer to breaking point.
The bishops wrote that conditions “have worsened” and that anguish and hopelessness are spreading among families, especially the most vulnerable. They warned that the risk of social chaos and violence “among the children of the same people is real,” underscoring that no Cuban “of good will” could rejoice at such a prospect.
Their statement singled out recent reductions in oil supplies — Cuba has long depended on energy imports — as an alarm that could severely undermine daily life and the delivery of essential services. The bishops noted that such shortages, combined with inflation and other economic pressures, are straining the social fabric and could heighten tensions unless urgent steps are taken.
What Pope Leo XIV said on Cuba–U.S. tensions
“I have received the greatly troubling news regarding an increase in tensions between Cuba and the United States of America, two neighboring countries,” the Pope said after the Marian prayer in St. Peter’s Square. He explicitly aligned himself with the bishops’ appeal for peace and mutual respect in addressing the crisis.
His remarks came amid broader geopolitical developments, including new U.S. economic measures affecting Cuba’s access to fuel and other resources, and underline the Holy See’s consistent call for diplomacy, compassion, and the protection of human dignity in international affairs.
While the bishops acknowledged that reforms are needed inside Cuba, they insisted that change should never come at the cost of increased suffering for the poor, elderly, and families already stretched thin.
They urged all Cubans — leaders and citizens alike — to work toward solutions built on dialogue, respect for human dignity, and peaceful reform.
Invoking Cuba’s patroness, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the bishops concluded their appeal by praying that “good sense and prudence” prevail over polarizing pressures, and that their people may live in peace, dignity, and hope.
